49ers promise 'different offense' this season

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers will unveil a "different offense" this season, a vague term that offensive coordinator Greg Roman used but declined to elaborate on Tuesday at the start of a mandatory minicamp.

In averaging 323.8 yards per game, the 49ers offense ranked 24th last season, though they had the third-worst passing attack at 186.2 yards per game.

"Starting with the beginning of the offseason, we as the offensive staff, after three years here, it was kind of a time-to-clean-out-the-garage type of thing," Roman said. "We went through everything we've done and really stripped it back down to its most element, basic parts and start over at square one."

With quarterback Colin Kaepernick entering his second full season as their starting quarterback, the 49ers could have a more explosive passing attack thanks to the addition of wide receivers Stevie Johnson, Brandon Lloyd and rookie Bruce Ellington.

"We have different pieces, different components," Kaepernick said. "You're always trying to work on different things."

"It's fair to make the statement it's a different offense," Roman said. "We've got some new guys in.

"Brandon Lloyd's been out there every day, done a great job taking advantage of his opportunities. Stevie Johnson's another guy. Whatever we're doing right now, it's pretty basic."

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Missing from that offense Tuesday were two starters who are holding out for new contracts: tight end Vernon Davis and right guard Alex Boone. Those absences have allowed more opportunities for Vance McDonald and Joe Looney at those spots, respectively, as well as for other players.

"Alex is a person we value on the line; he's a mean and that helps, said center Daniel Kilgore, who's poised to become a first-time starter and fill a role left vacant by Jonathan Goodwin's return to the New Orleans Saints.

Kilgore said he is "extremely ready' to become the 49ers' starter, saying he's prepared for the role since arriving as a fifth-round draft pick in 2011.

"The biggest thing right now is film study," Kilgore said. "It's a process I'm working on with Kap and the offensive line. We're where we need to be, but we can get better."

Pushing Kilgore is Marcus Martin, a third-round draft pick out of USC.

"Marcus Martin is doing a really good job as a rookie," Roman said. "There's so much a center has to do week in and week out. He's done a really good job against our defense, not just physically but mentally as well."

The 49ers touted the league's third-ranked rushing attack last season, and they've added more workhorses behind Frank Gore, whom Jim Harbaugh said remains at an elite level and has "three years left in him."

Marcus Lattimore continues to show encouraging signs with more of a slashing style when running, and Roman praised rookie Carlos Hyde's quick ability to pick up the 49ers' scheme.

"Our rookie class is one where I think they can come in and make an impact," Kaepernick added.